The 5 Breweries You Must Visit in Asheville, NC

Boasting nearly 15 breweries within its city limits alone—and dozens more dotting the surrounding hillsides of Western North Carolina—Asheville is the undisputed king of southern craft beer. Breweries like Highland and Green Man, established in the 80s and 90s, have skillfully paved the way for newcomers including Hi-Wire, Twin Leaf, and Wicked Weed, who have flooded the city with award-winning and experimental ales and lagers. National acts have set up shop in Asheville, too—Sierra Nevada and Oskar Blues both opened East Coast facilities outside of town in 2014, while Colorado’s New Belgium will unveil a waterfront brewery later this year. In short, Asheville is a beer lover's paradise. Here are five of my favorites in the region. —Justin Kennedy